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Home My WebLink AboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/02/2007 - RESOLUTION 2007-092 AFFIRMING THE CANAL IMPORTATIO ITEM NUMBER: 24 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: October 2, 2007 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Jim Hibbard SUBJECT Resolution 2007-092 Affirming the Canal Importation Ponds and Outfall Project. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the adoption of the Resolution. FINANCIAL IMPACT The estimated cost of the Canal Importation Ponds and Outfall Project is $21.5 million and is anticipated in the stormwater fund budgets from 2007 to 2010. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canal Importation Basin Stormwater Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2004 as a part of the Citywide Stormwater Master Plan, called for $51.5 million in flood control improvements in order to avoid an estimated$125 million of direct flood damage over the next 50 years. The Canal Importation Ponds & Outfall Project (CIPO) is one element of the improvements in the Canal Importation Basin. The CIPO Project will reduce flood damages to both public and private property and remove properties from the floodplain. The improvements to the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area as a result of the project incorporate important environmental benefits and are expected to improve water quality,habitat conditions and enhance public access to the site. BACKGROUND Utilities and Natural Areas are ready to begin construction of the CIPO/Red Fox Meadows Restoration and Improvement Project. This project was approved in 2004 as a part of the Citywide Stormwater Master Plan. The first installment of funding was included in the 2007 budget and the design is near completion. October 2, 2007 -2- Item No. 24 The project includes the following elements: • Creation of a new detention area at Taft Hill Road and Glenmoor Drive. • Modification to the outlet structure at the existing Plum Detention Area, at Skyline and Elizabeth. • Expansion of the Avery Park Pond and modification of its outlet structure. • Expansion of the Fairbrooke Detention Area, southwest corner of Prospect and Taft Hill. • Relocation and enhancement of the outdoor classroom in the Fairbrooke Detention Area. • Creation of a new detention area and wetlands, southeast corner of Prospect and Taft Hill (Kane Detention Area). • Expansion of the existing Red Fox Meadows Detention Area. • Creation of water quality areas in Fairbrooke and Red Fox Meadows Detention Areas. • Approximately 5,000 feet of 24-inch through 102-inch storm sewer pipe and associated inlets. • Restoration and enhancements to Red Fox Meadows Natural/Stormwater Detention Area. The project team is aware of the interest and sensitivity to the design of the detention areas and natural area enhancements at Red Fox Meadows. The project team has incorporated the following elements into the restoration of the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area: • Gentle slopes on the banks of the new Kane detention area and the expanded Red Fox Meadows detention area. • Peninsulas and varied bank shapes to provide a natural look. • A natural, meandering stream to carry low flow runoff and ground water. • A small pond or riffle areas in the Kane detention area for improved wildlife habitat. • Irrigation canals in current locations to minimize loss of riparian habitat. • Removal of the existing flume over the Larimer County No. 2 Canal. • Removal of the existing flume over the New Mercer Canal. • A minimum of new exposed concrete structures. • Special designs, treatments and landscaping to buffer necessary structures and minimize potential for graffiti. • Inlet trash collection devices upstream of Red Fox Meadows. • Provisions for water quality improvement. • Removal of Russian olive and small caliber Siberian elm trees. • Larger caliper Siberian elms removed after collaboration with Natural Areas and Forestry staff. • High quality stands of native trees and shrubs preserved where possible. • Existing fox dens preserved when possible;recreate dens in an isolated area of site when not possible. • Native species for re-vegetation. • Clumps of trees and shrubs throughout newly constructed areas for future wildlife habitat. • A temporary irrigation system to speed establishment of native grasses, shrubs, and trees. • A new gravel parking area along Longworth Road for 7 cars, 1 handicap space and 1 bus. October 2, 2007 -3- Item No. 24 • Educational kiosk, vault toilet,bike rack, trash receptacles near parking lot. • A crushed rock trail system with access from parking area to Red Fox Meadows Detention Area. • An access from the south(via Stuart), including pedestrian bridges over irrigation canals. • An access from the south from Promenade Way. • A detached slightly meandering sidewalk along the east side of Taft Hill Road. • A wetlands education area near the parking area for use by school groups. Public outreach on this project has been extensive. The project mailing list contains over 3,500 addresses for newsletters and project updates. The project team has received input from a public open house, meetings with neighborhood groups, the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board, City Council,the Water Board,two City Council work sessions,and hundreds of individual contacts. Numerous changes to the project have resulted from this input. The CIPO Project will reduce flood damages to both public and private property,remove properties from the floodplain and for others remaining in the floodplain,reduce the levels of flooding on those structures. The planned improvements to the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area as a result of the CIPO project incorporate important environmental benefits and are expected to improve water quality, habitat conditions and enhance public access to the site. For these reasons, it is staffs professional recommendation that the Canal Importation Ponds&Outfall/Red Fox Meadows Natural Area Restoration Project proceed. ATTACHMENTS 1. Location map. Canal Importation Ponds and Outfall Project Ilenmoo Plum Street W ELIZABETH ST Avery Park 0 rr J J LL Q U) Red Fox Meadows W P OSPECT RD Natural Area i Fairbrooke ■ JL Kane a ■, ♦ �♦ ed Fox Meadows ♦ ♦ • 02 ■ Legend — CIPO Pipe CIPO Detention Attachment 1 Irrigation Ditches / ICI Drainage Improvement Project Canal Importation Ponds & OntEa11 N Areas CWof re t Coffins Cityof Fmt ConinePro ueairm 1 Current Floodplain Existing Canal Importation MIN Floodplain a Sol ' p! i �.. +'Jt 2 1 This Is a Serious Problem • Basin hit hard in 1997 • History of multiple floods • Neighborhood vitality issue • Economic impact to community • Improvements postponed for 10 years 3 This Is an Opportunity • Improve water quality • Restoration of a " natural area — Remove non - native vegetation — Restore historic stream — Enhance riparian habitat — Diversify wildlife — Enhance public access — Expand learning opportunities 4 2 Our "A" Team ACar�hin5 ffa, Inc. . p� - DWWVMMWQff in ASSOCIATES CTL I THOMPSOM _ BHA DESIGN INCORPORATED Qe'®il�6YOQ4Dt. • 5 Our Approach to the Problem As a group we have worked hard to develop a design that met the purposes and objectives of both the Stormwater and Natural Areas Programs . 6 3 Project - - VIM toft � 3 ` l x Mom It Fairbrooke, Kane, and Red Fox meadows Schematic D"gn IV � 1 u r g Y - � l kL to F� N -wow o Y 9R r I lF � Public Outreach • Newsletter & mailings • Meetings with neighborhood groups • Open house • Two City Council Work Sessions • Two Land Conservation & Stewardship Board meetings • Water Board • Many ongoing individual contacts 11 Project Information • Master Plan cost estimate — $ 21 . 5 million • $ 5 . 0 million/year 2007 -2010 • Pre-construction open house — early 2008 • Begin construction — March 2008 • Construction at Red Fox Meadows — 2008 -2009 • Project completion — 2011 12 6 RESOLUTION 2007-092 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFIRMING THE CANAL IMPORTATION PONDS AND OUTFALL PROJECT WHEREAS, in 2001, the City Council adopted the Canal Importation Basin Stormwater Master Plan, which included the Canal Importation Ponds and Outfall Project (the "Project") as a recommended element, along with various other improvements to be constructed in that Basin; and WHEREAS, the Project was again approved in 2004 as part of the city-wide stormwater master plan (the"Master Plan"); and WHEREAS, improvements are recommended in the Master Plan based on a determination that they are cost effective,meaning that the benefits of the improvements are greater than the cost of those improvements; and WHEREAS, the Council appropriated funds for the Project in 2007; and WHEREAS, additional funds for the Project are included in the City Manager's Recommended Budget for 2008 and 2009; and WHEREAS, property in the Canal Importation Drainage Basin has experienced flooding many times due to its urbanized nature and because development in the area was built with limited stormwater facilities; and WHEREAS, the Project will reduce flood damage to both public and private property, remove properties from the floodplain and, for other properties remaining in the floodplain,reduce the levels of flooding to structures situated on such property; and WHEREAS, a portion of the Project will take place in the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area, which is jointly owned and managed by the City's Utilities and Natural Areas Program(the"Natural Area"); and WHEREAS, the Stormwater and Natural Areas Programs of the City jointly funded the purchase of the Natural Area over the last 16 years; and WHEREAS, the Stormwater and Natural Areas Programs have collaborated to ensure the Project meets the needs and concerns of both programs; and WHEREAS, the design elements of the Project and planned improvements to the Natural Area as a result of the Project incorporate important environmental benefits and are expected to improve the habitat conditions and enhance public access to the site; and WHEREAS,City staff from both the Stormwater and Natural Areas Programs have engaged in an extensive effort to communicate with and educate the public regarding the Project through such efforts as open houses, presentations to neighborhoods and homeowners associations, targeted mailings,continuously updated information posted to the city's website and a project newsletter;and WHEREAS, to the extent practicable, City staff has taken the concerns and requests of the public into consideration in the design of the Project; and WHEREAS,the Council considered the Project at its March 13,2007 and August 28,2007, work sessions; and WHEREAS,as a result of the Council discussion at the August work session,there appeared to be a consensus that the Proj ect should proceed as planned,and the City Manager has directed staff to prepare this Resolution for presentation to the Council for consideration; and WHEREAS, based upon the information presented in support of this Resolution, and previous input from City staff, and in light of the storm drainage and environmental benefits expected to result from the Project,the Council has determined that the Project,as planned,designed and scheduled, should proceed with the express support of the Council. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the City Council hereby affirms the design, timeline, and purpose of the Project. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 2nd day of October, A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: Chief Deputy City Clerk